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Crows

Episode 5 of 6

Historical drama. The Act of Supremacy has declared Henry supreme head of the church in England, but the Holy Roman Emperor has refused to recognise his new title.

The Act of Supremacy has declared Henry supreme head of the church in England. But the Holy Roman Emperor, and his ambassador, Eustache Chapuys, have refused to recognise either his new title or his marriage to Anne Boleyn.

Cromwell visits Katherine. She is growing frail and tired and she longs to see her daughter Mary. Cromwell pities Katherine and tries to persuade the King to allow Chapuys to visit her, but Henry refuses - until the Emperor acknowledges Anne as his lawful wife, Henry will not make any allowances on diplomacy.

With Anne pregnant again and away from court, Henry begins to take notice of Jane Seymour. The Seymours enlist Cromwell's help in their dealings with the King.

Anne is aware that Cromwell is conspiring with the Seymours and reminds him that she made Cromwell who he is today. When Katherine dies, Anne celebrates - Katherine had always been blamed for Anne's failure to produce a male heir and Anne is now certain her pregnancy will deliver a boy.

The King takes part in a jousting tournament and is nearly killed. Cromwell becomes acutely aware that he owes his position solely to Henry and that without the King's support his enemies would destroy him. Mercifully Henry makes a full recovery but, in the shock at the news of his fall, Anne miscarries.

Henry fears that he will never have a son with Anne, convinced that she is cursed and that he was tricked into marriage by her. He wants a new wife and, as ever, Cromwell is tasked with delivering this.

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1 hour

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Thomas Cromwell Mark Rylance
King Henry VIII Damian Lewis
Anne Boleyn Claire Foy
Cardinal Wolsey Jonathan Pryce
Duke of Norfolk Bernard Hill
Stephen Gardiner Mark Gatiss
Rafe Sadler Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Eustache Chapuys Mathieu Amalric
Katherine of Aragon Joanne Whalley
Jane Rochford Jessica Raine
Richard Cromwell Joss Porter
Gregory Cromwell Tom Holland
Jane Seymour Kate Phillips
Harry Norris Luke Roberts
William Brereton Alastair Mackenzie
Thomas Wriothesley Joel MacCormack
Thomas Cranmer Will Keen
Frances Weston Jacob Fortune-Lloyd
George Boleyn Edward Holcroft
Sir Thomas Boleyn David Robb
Lord Chancellor Audley Tim Steed
Edward Seymour Ed Speleers
Thomas Seymour Iain Batchelor
Sir John Seymour Paul Ritter
Mary Shelton Hannah Steele
Writer Peter Straughan
Producer Mark Pybus
Director Peter Kosminsky
Production Company Company Pictures

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